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      Gabriel Martinelli stunned as he appears to be booked over mistaken identity after Arsenal team-mate’s ‘s***housery’

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      GABRIEL MARTINELLI was booked during the first-half of Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Sporting Lisbon tonight… despite the offence being committed by Granit Xhaka.The Swiss midfielder knocked the ball out of Sporting goalkeeper Antonio Adan’s hands on 43 minutes.
      Gabriel Martinelli was stunned to be yellow cardedCredit: AP
      It was Granit Xhaka who had actually committed the foulCredit: BT Sport
      Referee Tobias Stieler was not impressed with the incident… but seemed to punish the wrong perpetrator.
      The German whistler brandished his yellow card, but flashed it at Martinelli rather than Xhaka – much to the forward’s bewilderment.
      He protested to the official, looking completely baffled as to why he had been cautioned.
      Arsenal fans on social media couldn’t believe what they were seeing either.
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      One wrote: “Martinelli just got booked for Xhaka s***housery.”
      While a second tweeted: “Funny situation but it was better MARTINELLI got the card than XHAKA. Terrible foul from Xhaka.”
      A third agreed: “I’ll take Martinelli on a yellow over Xhaka though.”
      The incident was looked at by VAR… but the video officials decided not to advise the on field ref that he’d got the wrong man.
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      This caused even more confusion, with one fan writing: “The worst part is that it wasn’t even Martinelli that poked the ball away. It was Xhaka and VAR had a look at it but didn’t correct it lol.”
      Another merely laughed, joking: “Martinelli getting a yellow card for Xhaka’s dirty work. Lmao.”
      The incident occurred with the sides level at 1-1.
      William Saliba had given Arsenal the lead on 22 minutes, only for Goncalo Inacio to level for the home side after 34. More

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      When is the Europa League quarter-final draw?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal will both be hoping to make it through to the Europa League quarter-finals.The two Premier League giants both get their Round of 16 ties underway on March 9.
      Europa League ambassador Hungarian former footballer Zoltan Gera and UEFA Deputy General Secretary Giorgio Marchetti attend the draw for the round of 16 of the 2022-2023 UEFA Europa LeagueCredit: GETTY
      16 clubs remain in the 2022/23 Europa League, and all sides will be hoping that they are in the mix for the quarter-finals.
      This year’s final will take place at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on 31 May 2023.
      When is the Europa League quarter-final draw?

      The draw for the Europa League quarter-final will take place on Friday, March 17.
      It is scheduled to start at 1pm UK time.
      The draw will take place at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

      What TV channel is the Europa League quarter-final draw on and can I live stream it free?

      The draw will be shown live on BT Sport on Friday, March 17.
      UEFA will be providing a FREE stream of the draw on their official website and YouTube channel.
      For BT Sport customers, it can also be streamed live through the BT Sport app, which is free to download to your mobile or tablet device.

      READ MORE IN EUROPA LEAGUE
      Which teams are in the Europa League quarter-finals?
      One team will progress from each of the Round of 16 ties, and the remaining teams are:
      Union Berlin / Union Saint-GilloiseLeverkusen / FerencvárosSporting CP / ArsenalRoma / Real SociedadSevilla / FenerbahçeJuventus / FreiburgMan United / Betis Shakhtar / Feyenoord
      Who can play each other in the Europa League quarter-finals?
      From the quarter-finals and onwards, teams from the same country can face each other, as there are no longer any seeds.
      Teams that competed in the same group stage earlier on in the competition can also be drawn against each other.
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      When is the Europa League semi-final draw?
      The draw for the Europa League semi-final will be completed on the same night as the quarter-final draw.
      This means teams will know which side they could potentially face if they progress to the semi-finals. More

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      Sporting vs Arsenal: Gunners take break from Premier League title race for Europa League last 16 tie TONIGHT – stream

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      ARSENAL return to Europa League action TONIGHT after celebrating their last-gasp win over Bournemouth like they’d won the Premier League.And, to be fair, Reiss Nelson’s jaw-dropping swing of his left foot may have done just that.
      Arsenal were left in a state of euphoria after beating Bournemouth in a sensational comeback on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      Arsenal kept their Premier League title dream alive at the weekend – but how much does Mikel Arteta value the Europa League?Credit: Getty
      The Gunners, desperately holding off Manchester City in their bid to win a first title since the 2003-04 Invincibles were 1-0 down within 10 seconds of Saturday’s clash.
      Mikel Arteta and a packed Emirates could only watch on as the Cherries somehow went 2-0 up.
      But Thomas Partey and Ben White strikes restored parity before super-sub Nelson’s 97th-minute heroics to seal a 3-2 victory.
      The nature of the win will give the scrappy Gunners a major boost going into the final 12 games of the season.

      All season, it’s felt like Arsenal were one major injury or one shock defeat away from crumbling.
      Perhaps for fear of being accused of “bottling it” like a certain other local club, Arteta’s side keep fighting on, despite injuries to star men Partey and Gabriel Jesus.
      Like a heavyweight boxer summoning up every morsel of strength heading into the 12th round, the North Londoners just keep battling towards that title – for so long desperately out of reach.
      Since their last crown, the Gunners have watched Manchester United, City, Liverpool, Chelsea and even Leicester lift the Premier League trophy.
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      Long gone are the days of Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Co.
      But this crop, an exciting blend of youth and experience led by Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli – and Jesus, don’t forget – could be the latest squad to go down in Gooners folklore.
      Thank goodness Arsenal chiefs stood by Mikel Arteta and “trusted the process” after a shaky start.
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      For now, though, the Premier League goes on the backburner.
      It’s time for some European action – and the question is: How much does Arteta care?
      No disrespect, of course, but Arsenal fans want, nay crave, a Premier League title.
      The Europa League would be a glorious addition to their trophy cabinet and, as the old saying goes: “Success breeds success.”
      But is it the one Arteta loses sleep over? Is it the one he dreams of lifting when he drifts off?
      Probably not.
      And with a smaller squad than City – perhaps lacking the world-class talent, too – Arteta may be forced to prioritise.
      Will he send out a second XI vs Sporting on Thursday night?
      Again, probably not.
      Will he rotate to rest a couple of his superstars? You’d better believe it.
      So as Arsenal prepare to head to Portugal for a reunion with Hector Bellerin in Lisbon, the question remains: How much do you want it, Mikel?

      What is their form like?
      Sporting: Well, with four straight wins under their belt, the Portuguese side come into this match full of confidence.
      In fact, Sporting haven’t lost since their February 12 defeat at the hands of Porto.
      During their current run, they’ve battered Midtjylland 4-0 to seal a 5-1 aggregate win in the Europa League last 32, too.
      Arsenal: Pretty good. Pretty good, indeed.
      That Bournemouth win was the cherry on top of a strong run of form, including a 4-0 mauling of Everton – as well as wins over Leicester and Aston Villa.
      The Gunners lost their title six-pointer against Man City 3-1 last month – but that’s already a distant memory for a club currently on cloud nine.
      What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
      Sporting: Boss Ruben Amorim will be hoping Dario Essugo will recover in time for the huge Arsenal clash.
      It is likely to be too soon for Daniel Braganca despite returning to training from his cruciate ligament rupture last July.
      Arsenal: Mikel Arteta will be sweating over the fitness of Eddie Nketiah who missed out on the Bournemouth thriller.
      Leandro Trossard is also a doubt after being dragged off early with what looked to be a suspected groin strain.
      However, super-sub Reiss Nelson could be given a go from the outset after his Cherries heroics.
      Jesus and Mohamed Elneny are both long-term absentees.
      Who will be the star men?
      Sporting: Marcus Edwards.
      There’s one huge reason Edwards will be up for this one: He’s a former Tottenham player.
      He spent 13 years working his way through the Spurs ranks and has gone on to become one of Europe’s most-exciting wingers since moving to Portugal, initially with Vitoria, in 2019,

      Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli.
      The Brazilian is likely to start through the middle with Trossard, Jesus and Nketiah out.
      And, in what could be a rotated XI, Martinelli may need to make the most of his chances in what could be a tight game.
      SunSport prediction
      Sporting 1 Arsenal 1
      When is Sporting vs Arsenal?

      Sporting’s tasty Europa League tie against Arsenal will take place TONIGHT – Thursday, March 9.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 5:45pm UK time – same time locally.
      Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 50,095.
      The Gunners were held to a goalless draw when these two sides last met in a 2018 Europa League group fixture.

      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Sporting vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on BT Sport 2 in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 5:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription members of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.
      Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will have minute-by-minute coverage of the match.

      Read More on The Sun
      What are the odds?

      Sporting to win 5/2
      Draw 23/10
      Arsenal to win 11/10

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Why does Real Betis star Borja Iglesias paint his nails?

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      REAL BETIS forward Borja Iglesias will be licking his lips as his side host a wounded Manchester United in the Europa League – and eagle-eyed fans have noticed a change in his appearanceIglesias has ten goals in La Liga this season and will be hoping to take advantage of the United backline’s recent shambolic performance at Anfield.
      Borja Iglesias is set to lead Real Betis’ front line against Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Who is Borja Iglesias?
      The 6ft 2in striker was born in Santiago de Compostela in Spain in January 1993.
      He has played all of his professional playing career in the Spanish leagues.
      Borja Iglesias has scored 51 goals in the Spanish top flight, most of those goals playing in the colours of current side Real Betis.
      He has represented Spain just once in a 2-1 loss to Switzerland at the Nations League in 2022.
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      Why does Borja Iglesias paint his nails?
      The Spanish striker started painting his nails before matches back in June 2020.
      Iglesias paints his nails in an act of solidarity
      The 30-year-old initially started doing it as an act of solidarity when the Black Lives Matter protests began in 2020.
      He later painted his nails multicoloured as the message also became about fighting homophobia as well as racism.
      Borja Iglesias has also openly spoken about mental health issues and the obstacles he has had to overcome in his life.
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      Iglesias is also a big fan of Marcus Rashford’s work off the pitch, as he has often used his platform to give visibility to societal issues.
      The Spaniard believes football should be responsible to “create a safe space” and hopes younger generations bring a “more open mentality.” More

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      Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes sent eerie warning by Portugal pal William Carvalho ahead of Europa League tie vs Betis

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Bruno Fernandes has been sent a warning by Portugal team-mate William Carvalho. While the pair are usually on the same side, this evening they will be wearing opposing shirts when Man Utd take on Real Betis.
      William Carvalho sent Bruno Fernandes an eerie messageCredit: Getty
      The Portugal team-mates will be facing off when Manchester United host Real BetisCredit: Getty
      The Spanish outfits Twitter page saw Carvalho walking down a hallway before pointing at the camera.
      Carvalho then said: “Bruno I see you.”
      The 30-year-old is expected to start against Fernandes and Co in the Europa League Last 16 clash.
      United beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate in the Europa League play-off before winning the Carabao Cup final.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      However, the high-flying feeling around the club was shot down after a record-breaking 7-0 defeat to Liverpool – a fact Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini admitted he was “not sad” about.
      United will be desperate to get back to winnings ways, and have been boosted by the return of Anthony Martial to training.
      The Frenchman returned to training ahead of the match with Erik ten Hag hinting at his involvement.
      He said: “Anthony Martial is back on the pitch, so we will see. For the rest, everyone is available and we are ready for the game.”
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      In the Betis camp, star man Nabil Fekir has been ruled out of the game due to an ACL tear.
      Sensationally, Betis have already beat the Red Devils this season – winning a friendly 1-0 during the World Cup. More

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      Anthony Martial trains with Man Utd ahead of Real Betis but doubts remain over availability amid Sabitzer uncertainty

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL has returned to training ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Real Betis.The striker has been plagued by injury issues for most of the season and it is unlikely he will feature in tonight’s matchday squad.
      Anthony Martial has returned to trainingCredit: EPA
      The striker has not played since scoring against Nottingham Forest on February 1Credit: Getty
      Marcel Sabitzer has been ruled out of the Real Betis clashCredit: Alamy
      A hip injury has kept Martial out of action over the past few weeks with his last appearance coming against Nottingham Forest on February 1.
      The Frenchman has also had trouble with his back, hamstring and Achilles this season and has been limited to just 14 appearances.
      And although he has returned to training Martial is unlikely to be included in the matchday squad, though Erik ten Hag did not rule him out completely.
      He told MUTV: “I think we are quite good. The only disappointment is Marcel Sabitzer is not available, as well as Anthony Martial.
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      “Anthony Martial is back on the pitch, so we will see. For the rest, everyone is available and we are ready for the game.”
      Ten Hag did not reveal Sabitzer’s injury, which he may have picked up at the end of United’s 7-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
      Other than that it is a clean bill of health for United with Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek long-term absentees.
      The Red Devils will be looking to bounce back from their Anfield humiliation as they welcome Betis to Old Trafford tonight.
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      Marcus Rashford spoke ahead of the game about putting the Liverpool defeat behind them, with his side still competing for more silverware this season after winning the Carabao Cup.
      He said: “It’s disappointing but we can’t dwell on it and look back.
      “We’re in a position where we’re still fighting on all fronts and we have a lot of games still to play. We want to put it right.” More

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      Man Utd vs Real Betis: United look to put Liverpool thrashing behind them in Europa League last 16 TONIGHT – TV, stream

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      JUST a week ago, Manchester United were riding high – and they’ll be hoping to rediscover that form TONIGHT.Erik ten Hag’s men got their hands on the Carabao Cup – their first piece of silverware in six years.
      Man Utd were ripped apart by arch-rivals Liverpool in their last match – can they bounce back in Europe with their Premier League dream in tatters?Credit: Rex
      Erik ten Hag could only watch on in shock as Liverpool put seven past UnitedCredit: PA
      And after suddenly closing the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League title race, they were on course for a shock Quadruple.
      United had been the form team in the country… until a trip up the M62 on Sunday.
      Ten Hag led his side to Anfield to take on a stuttering Liverpool side expected to be ripped apart by red-hot Marcus Rashford.
      In a barely-believable 90 minutes, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds showed signs of their old, rampant best as they stormed to a 7-0 win.
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      Liverpool played well, of course. But the manner of United’s second-half capitulation – conceding six times and seemingly having thrown in the towel – will be a huge concern to the boss.
      Famously-strict Ten Hag dragged his flops into training early on Monday morning – and turned up two hours before them as he plotted his next move.
      The boss has to figure out one simple thing: Was the Liverpool mauling a one-off, a fluke, an anomaly? Or was United’s incredible run simply just a purple patch?
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      Ten Hag doesn’t have long to work it out, either, with Real Betis heading to Old Trafford for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.
      The LaLiga team may be without star man Nabil Fekir – with the former Premier League target out for the season with an ACL tear – but have another trump card up their sleeve.
      Boss Manuel Pellegrini knows all about United from his days in the Premier League with rivals City and West Ham,
      And the Chilean boss boasts a strong record vs Man Utd – winning five and drawing one of his nine games in the Prem.
      Ten Hag must put any thoughts like that to the back of his mind and get his shellshocked squad to bounce back strongly.
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      A commanding win on Thursday will go a long way to helping restore the confidence.
      But a defeat could send a few jitters through the Old Trafford ranks.
      A collapse at this stage in the season could be terminal for their hopes of winning any more silverware… or even clinging on to a top-four spot.

      What is their form like?
      Man Utd: Up until Sunday, very good. But now? It’s up in the air. It’s all about how Ten Hag can get his team to bounce back.
      United had been unbeaten in 11 matches – including their two-legged win over Barcelona – since a 3-2 defeat against Arsenal in January prior to the Kop shock.
      Real Betis: Solid, if unspectacular.
      The LaLiga side most-recently drew 0-0 with high-flying Real Madrid last weekend and are unbeaten since losing a 4-3 thriller vs Celta Vigo on February 4.
      What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
      Man Utd: Ten Hag has no new injury concerns following the 7-0 thrashing by Liverpool, with Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen all long-term absentees.
      But the furious boss may decide to ring the changes.
      Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot had a tough day at the office, with both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia pushing for starts.
      Wout Weghorst and Fred may also see their places in the XI come under threat following their performances with Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer expected to play.
      Real Betis: Missing Fekir through injury is a blow, but the club have back up in academy graduate Rodri.
      Otherwise, Pellegrini has a full squad to choose from.
      Who will be the star men?
      Man Utd: Marcus Rashford.
      Ten Hag is almost certain to ring the changes, but Rashford but surely remain – most likely as a central striker.
      The England star has been in red-hot form since the World Cup and the Liverpool defeat is unlikely to harm his stock.
      The boss is unlikely to rest players at this point in the competition, particularly with their spot in title race gone.

      Real Betis: Rodri.
      The academy hotshot has been fast-tracked into the Betis first XI in Fekir’s absence and performed admirably.
      How he performs up against Casemiro could determine the outcome of the game.
      SunSport prediction
      Man Utd 2 Real Betis 0
      When is Man Utd vs Real Betis?

      United’s home clash with Betis will take place TONIGHT – Thursday, March 9.
      The game will be held at Old Trafford.
      United vs Betis will get underway from 8pm UK time.

      What channel is it can it be live streamed?

      Man Utd vs Real Betis will be shown live on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Read More on The Sun
      Odds

      Man Utd – 2/5
      Draw – 7/2
      Real Betis – 13/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      I once saved my team-mate’s life and conceded three pens in one game but I’m ready to be Arsenal pantomime villain again

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      SEBASTIAN COATES is a player who will be familiar to many Arsenal fans.He spent six years in the Premier League with spells at Liverpool and Sunderland but never really established himself in the top flight.
      Sebastien Coates captained Sporting to their first league title for 19 years in 2021Credit: Getty
      Coates was the pantomime villain the last time Arsenal visited SportingCredit: Getty
      The defender spent six years in the Prem including a spell at LiverpoolCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      A move to Sporting Lisbon followed in 2017 and Coates has had quite the experience in Portugal.
      He has become a key player under Ruben Amorim and captained them to their first league title for 19 years in 2021.
      Coates, 32, also became a hero in 2018 when he prevented his team-mate Romain Salin from choking on the pitch.
      The goalkeeper was knocked unconcious after colliding with the post but Coates reacted immediately and managed to clear his airwaves so he could breathe.
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      Coates also gestured to the physio team who rushed on to the field to aid Salin.
      A year later the Uruguyan went from hero to zero after conceding three penalties in one game against Rio Ave.
      Sporting lost the game 3-2 and had been leading before Coates gave away two spot-kicks in the last five minutes, while he was sent off to add insult to injury.
      The centre-back was also fortunate not to see red the last time Arsenal visited Sporting’s José Alvalade Stadium in October 2018.
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      In added time at the end of Arsenal’s 1-0 win Coates reacted angrily to ex-Gooner Stephan Lichsteiner and appeared to headbutt the former defender.
      Arsenal fans vented their fury on social media after the match and called for Coates to receive a ban, but he escaped punishment.
      The defender could look to be the pantomime villain once again tonight as Mikel Arteta’s side visit in the Europa League Round of 16.
      He has failed to win in five matches against Arsenal but has impressed in Europe this season, helping his side keep a clean sheet in Champions League games against Tottenham and Eintracht Frankfurt.
      Coates has even showed a goalscoring touch, scoring in both of his Europa League appearances in the play-off round against FC Midtjylland. More